Why?
July 22, 2009 // By: Bob Hamp // 2 Comments
The most frequently asked question in all of life is “why?”. First, I want to point out the frustration inherent in the question. Why is it that when things are difficult, people are most driven to ask the question which has the least to do with improving their circumstances? Even if the goal is understanding, I repeat, understanding usually has little to do with men and women feeling more settled, or gaining power over their circumstances. Yet the question almost seems to have a life of its own, pursuing us relentlessly with the need to be asked.
Why did they die? Why did he leave? Why them and not me? Why me and not them? Why?
I think the question haunts us because of what we think the answer can do to settle our soul. I also think that it haunts us because we are made for greater understanding than any of us currently posess.
Then again, the question haunts us because of a misguided search to find justice…to assign responsibility. “Why?” often carries the unconscious question “Whose fault is this?”. And therein lies the danger. If we can’t find the answer, our mind automatically, and in many cases, unconsciously, turns to the One who is ultimately responsible, God. Too often, our desire to know why, carries an unintended and dangerous accusation against God.
The more important question is “What?”
Look at your circumstance and ask:
“What does this mean?” What does it mean about me? What does it mean about God?
Are you less loved? Is God less good? Is this really the fulfillment of your fear, or is something else going on?
The resolution and sucessful negotiation of my circumstances has more to do with how accurately I perceive reality in the midst of ,and at the conclusion of my circumstances. Has my circumstance changed how I see myself? Has it changed how I see God?
The answer to the question “why?” can often be unsatisfying and in some cases destructive. Ask instead “what?” What is true? Is God good? Is He near? Is He powerful? Am I loved? Ask “what?” and be sure you don’t let your circumstances, unfinished as they are provide the answer to the “what” questions.
He is Good. He is near. He is powerful. And you are loved.
2 Comments
I love how you put the “why” in this light…
“Why is it that when things are difficult, people are most driven to ask the question which has the least to do with improving their circumstances?”
I’ve never thought of why as destructive, yet I can confess that it has haunted me in hardship. I have to ask myself now why is “why” so important? Honestly, would it change my view of the circumstances if I understood? Or would I then question “why” God was doing what He was doing and not something else? I’m thinking that maybe it would be and endless cycle of questions.
Thank you for this blog. It will be a part of my mindset the next time I begin to ask why.
I love this blog! Especially this particuliar posting–thanks for the insight on underlying motives when thinking. Maybe we think in some way we can out-do GOD when we say “Why” …as if we knew better, and we would have run the show completely differently. Right.
One thought though—
Do you think that asking HOW is legit when moving forward? I thought when you said, “don’t ask WHY-”you might say “aks HOW”…
Like maybe:
How will this help me grow? Or how can I let this hinder my growth? How does He want me to see it for His kingdom? How does GOD see this…and How should I move forward?
It offers solution and re-focus, not “stuck in the rut” Why kind of thinking. Sure, why gets you to know a rationale, but God’s ways aren’t man’s ways. So, even when we arrive at a plausible WHY we don’t have the universal viewing…unless He shares that.
Again–HOW. How can you use me here, LORD the way you have this set up? How do I go on? How do I view this? How can I work with you on your will?
Great post, BobHamp.com!